Why am I asking you for a donation of $12 to support my 12+ mile walk ‪on September 12th‬ for the Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado?

12 years ago my brother survived a freak accident where he sustained a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Over the last 12 years – As a sister to a survivor – I have had first-hand experience with some of the harsh realities associated with TBI. There have been times of grief, chronic loneliness, fear, frustration, loss of friends, anger, depression, anxiety, and loss of self. But there have been some feel-good lessons as well. I have learned about deep generosity, patience, unconditional love, finding peace during times of uncertainty, gratitude, humor, and seeing the silver lining in every situation. My brother’s accident also inspired me to change my career to became an occupational therapist. I have found purpose helping people with disabilities believe in their fundamental value and to live their lives to the fullest.

Our county’s healthcare system is not set up to support chronic illnesses and/or the complicated long-term sequelae of brain injury. Meaningful support comes from the work of unpaid/informal caregivers and community organizations.

Over the last 12 years, the community organization that has played the biggest role in my brother’s recovery is the Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado (BIAC). For nearly 40 years, the BIAC has had the vision “that all persons with a brain injury thrive in their community”. They achieve this thru 1:1 guidance, online (and offline) resources, events, support groups, recreation, and education.

My brother has attended BIAC adult summer camp programs every year since 2013. His summer adventures have included river rafting, camping, bike riding, rock climbing, making new friends, and dance parties (where my brother has been able to show off his superior DJ skills). Twelve years ago, doctors told my family that my brother would never be able to take part in activities like these (let alone walk again). But thru BIAC – this (and so much more) has been possible.

Most recently, my entire family traveled to Denver to attend the Annual BIAC Brain Injury Symposium in October 2019. It was a memorable day to connect with other TBI survivors, parents, siblings, friends, and professionals. We learned about caregiver communication, mental health, mindfulness and self-care, and adaptive yoga. It felt SO good to be in a room surrounded by hundreds of people who just “get it” and understand the unique life of living with a TBI.

During these uncertain pandemic times – Fundraising is critical for BIAC to continue supporting survivors for years to come. Many programs have been put on hold (or canceled) due to COVID-19. This is why I am reaching out to family and friends to share my commitment to participate in the 2020 Pikes Peak VIRTUAL HIKING Challenge. I will be hiking 12+ miles ‪on September 12th‬ locally in Marin vs Tahoe (exact location is pending air quality and fire safety). My sister, who is my virtual (and real-life) teammate, will be hiking on the same day in Colorado

My ask is for $12 in honor of the 12th anniversary of my brother’s accident. In exchange for your donation – I can assure you two things.

1) You can be confident that you are helping provide vital services for survivors, families, and professionals. The BIAC is a 501(c) non profit organization with a 100/100 (excellent) rating on Charity Navigator.

2) You have my gratitude and promise that I will live my life to make a difference for those who have either experienced brain injury already or will so in the future. Consider this just the beginning of my new life chapter in TBI advocacy and consulting work.

And if you would like to join me on my hike – please let me know! I would love to walk with you.

Please donate now on my fundraising page and together we can make a huge impact for brain injury survivors and the entire brain injury community.

Thanks you! <3

Please donate now on my fundraising page and together we can make a huge impact for brain injury survivors and the entire brain injury community.

Are you up for the challenge?
September 7, 2024

2020 Pikes Peak Challenge Virtual Challenger: Molly Murphy

By Molly Murphy

$1,287.00

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